Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

09:40
An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Clinical Benchmark for Gastric Stapling Procedures
1Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Surgical Service of the Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
Obesity Surgery
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Bariatric surgery costs vary significantly due to differences in preoperative, operative, and postoperative care. This benchmark study identified key areas for potential cost savings in surgical care without compromising patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Bariatric Surgery
- Healthcare Economics
- Surgical Care Management
Background:
- Rising surgical care costs necessitate cost-cutting measures.
- Bariatric surgeons often lack comparative data for optimizing surgical routines.
- The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) initiated a benchmark study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare preoperative, operative, and postoperative care methods among bariatric surgeons.
- To identify areas for potential cost savings in bariatric surgical care.
- To establish a benchmark for common Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 29 ASBS members, including academic and private practitioners.
- Comparison of preoperative work-up, operating room procedures, and postoperative care.
- Analysis of hospital bills for 16 uncomplicated patient cases to identify cost variations.
Main Results:
- Significant variations observed in the extent and cost of preoperative work-up.
- Differences noted in antibiotic coverage, postoperative care strategies, and length of stay.
- Cost disparities identified across different care pathways for bariatric surgery.
Conclusions:
- Substantial variability exists in bariatric surgical care pathways and associated costs.
- Targeted interventions in preoperative and postoperative care can lead to cost savings.
- Benchmarking provides a foundation for optimizing surgical care efficiency while maintaining outcomes.

